Structural E-Permits: An Openbim, Model-Based Procedure for Permit Applications Pertaining to Structural Engineering

Abstract

This paper investigates the creation and use of integrated IFC models to modernise traditional processes for applications to building authorities for structural engineering approvals and permits. First, we provide a brief overview of e-permit systems in the AEC sector, with the focus on solutions that implement openBIM standards like IFC, MVD, and IDM. Second, we conduct a study on the information requirements of Italy’s seismic-authorisation processes relating specifically to the field of structural engineering. Third, we describe preliminary research on defining the structural engineering information that needs to be incorporated in the IFC format for e-permitting scopes. Fourth, we present our early work on the development of an MVD that would enable the automatic extraction of integrated IFC models. Fifth, we illustrate the reference workflow of the Str.E.Pe. project and propose a preliminary proof-of-concept that makes use of an IFC model, which has been integrated with structural information to support the activities of the building authority in Avellino. The officers there have developed a SWOT analysis using IFC models to assist them in assessing the compliance of structural projects with seismic requirements. Finally, the paper sets out additional research we intend to undertake and our conclusions.

Readiness Assessment for Bim-Based Building Permit Processes Using Fuzzy-Copras

“…In the Technology category, supporting open standards, i.e., openBIM is the most important criterion as shown in Table 6. This also reflects the findings of the study by Ciotta et al (2021) that exchanging information in openBIM standards like IFC, Model View Definitions (MVDs), are essential for permitting systems to read the content and perform automatic code checking of rules. In the Technology category, the second most important criterion is that the BIM-based building permit system should be compatible with the building regulations and codes.…”

“…In recent years, municipalities in Singapore, Norway, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Estonia, Dubai (United Arab Emirates) etc., have been using (up to some level)/ piloting/engaged with research related to BIM utilization in their building permit processes. Moreover, the potential benefits of BIM for building permits have also attracted academic researchers and many studies (Lee et al, 2016;Ciotta et al, 2021;Noardo et al, 2020, etc. ) have been carried out mostly focused on the technical perspective, i.e., translations of laws into machine readable, code checking, etc.…”

Integration of Structural Information Within a Bim-Based Environment for Seismic Structural E-Permits

“…Specifically, some studies (Eirinaki et al, 2018;Kim et al, 2020;Messaoudi & Nawari, 2020;Noardo et al, 2022;Ullah et al, 2020) have focused on identifying the potential that the BIM approach offers generally in reconceiving epermitting procedures. Other authors (Ciotta et al, 2021;Muto, 2020;Noardo et al, 2020aNoardo et al, , 2022 have focused principally on the potential offered by openBIM. In general, e-permitting procedures can be applied to both building permits (i.e., design permits) and construction permits (once the design phase has ended).…”

“…In Italy, the Structural E-Permit (Str.E.Pe.) project is the first attempt to investigate the creation and use of integrated IFC models to modernise traditional processes for applications to building authorities for seismic structural engineering approvals and permits (Ciotta et al, 2021). In addition, MVD can also support checks and validation of the exchanged data.…”

“…Based on this information, BAB engineers have to validate the related design solutions before the issue of the related seismic permit. As already highlighted in several studies (Ciotta et al, 2021;Muto, 2020;Shahi et al, 2019), different e-platforms have been developed worldwide, but their use is still limited along with the structural e-permit processes are not totally IFC-based yet. One of the reasons can be found in the lack of a specific MVD that enables the production of IFC models, as a mean of summarising structural data, e.g., required by the structural e-permitting context (e.g., PSets, IFC classes, etc.…”